For Episode Nine, we welcome back guest Ben Galin, PT, DPT, for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of physical and occupational therapy, using the role of PTAs and COTAs as a springboard for broader industry discussion.

The conversation begins with examining how PTAs and COTAs are utilized in various healthcare settings, challenging the cookie-cutter approach to their deployment. The discussion reveals that PTAs often demonstrate exceptional career mobility, with many advancing into management positions and finding success in digital health platforms.

A significant portion delves into critical policy issues affecting the profession, including:

• The need to reclassify PTs as "practitioners" alongside other healthcare providers like dietitians and behavioral health specialists
• The importance of shifting focus from fighting Medicare cuts to pursuing more achievable policy goals that could fundamentally change the profession
• The complexities of state-level versus federal-level advocacy, highlighting how state-level changes can often be achieved more quickly and effectively
• The hosts and guest examine how digital health is reshaping traditional supervision ratios and practice models, while also addressing the profession's ongoing challenges with direct access and professional autonomy.

This episode provides valuable insights for physical therapy professionals at all levels, offering a strategic vision for advancing the profession through targeted policy changes and adaptation to emerging healthcare delivery models.

Chapters

00:00 The Role of PTAs and COTAs in Therapy

06:08 Challenges in Career Advancement for Assistants

10:42 Operational Models and Supervision in Therapy

16:11 State Regulations and the Future of PTAs

22:19 Advocacy and Legislative Challenges in Healthcare

27:59 Understanding the Role of Professional Associations

29:50 Navigating Changes in Healthcare Policy

32:26 The Importance of Practitioner Recognition

35:22 Addressing Friction Points in Healthcare

39:04 The Need for Change in Perception and Policy

41:56 Identifying Actionable Wins for the Profession

Subscribe to our newsletter and receive an exclusive resources page that we add to every week!